1. Introduction
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before using the services provided by Gentle Dog Canine Massage ("Gentle Dog Canine Massage", "us", "we", or "our"). By accessing and using our services, you ("User", "you", or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

2. Services

• Purpose: Gentle Dog Canine Massage offers canine remedial massage services intended to enhance the well-being and relaxation of your dog. Our workshops and live demonstrations are designed for educational purposes only and do not qualify participants as professional canine massage therapists. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any service without prior notice.

• Treatment plans & packages: Where treatment packages are purchased, sessions must be used within 1 month unless otherwise agreed. Recommendations regarding frequency of treatment are based on professional judgement but clients remain free to decide whether to continue services.

3. Eligibility
By using our Services, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. You also confirm that your dog is at least six months old.

4. Consent & animal welfare

Treatment will be adapted according to the dog's responses. We will not force an animal to continue where we reasonably believe they are experiencing excessive stress, discomfort or distress.

 

5. Outcomes

Individual responses to bodywork vary and specific outcomes or recovery timeframes cannot be guaranteed.

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6. Appointment booking

• Booking process: Appointments will only be confirmed once the invoice sent to you has been paid. Accurate medical and behavioural information about your dog must be provided prior to the appointment in our client intake form.

• Confirmation: Sessions are confirmed only after full payment is received.

• Rescheduling and cancellation: Changes or cancellations must adhere to our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

• Travel fee policy: Travel fees might apply. Fees are calculated based on round-trip distance and included in your invoice. Travel fees must be paid at the time of service, along with the session fee.

• Service area: We currently service Melbourne’s inner and surrounding suburbs. For locations 20+ km from Footscray, please contact us to discuss availability and fees prior to booking. We do our best to arrive on time, but please allow for potential delays due to traffic. We’ll keep you informed if we’re running late.

7. Payment

• Full payment requirement: All sessions must be paid in full prior to the scheduled appointment.

• Payment methods: Currently, we accept Stripe payments and direct bank transfer. Other methods may be introduced at our discretion.

• Non-refundable services: All services provided by Gentle Dog Canine Massage are non-refundable, except under circumstances outlined in our Refund Policy.

• ​Discount policy: Only one discount, promotional code, or referral offer may be applied per purchase. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers.

8. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Cancellations or Rescheduling: Changes or cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the scheduled appointment without penalty. Requests made within 24 hours will result in the forfeiture of the full payment.

• Discretionary waivers: Gentle Dog Canine Massage reserves the right to waive cancellation fees on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances.

• Refunds: Refunds are issued only if a session is canceled by Gentle Dog Canine Massage due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Late arrivals: Late arrival may reduce treatment time where extending the appointment would affect subsequent clients. The original appointment fee may still apply.

9. Health and Safety

• Fitness for massage: By engaging our Services, you confirm that you have consented for your dog to receive massage therapy. Pre-existing conditions, injuries, or sensitivities must be disclosed before the session.

• Scope of practice: Our services are provided within the scope of our qualifications and are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. We do not diagnose medical conditions.

• Veterinary care: Where symptoms, pain, injury or changes in your dog's condition indicate that veterinary assessment may be appropriate, treatment may be postponed or discontinued until veterinary advice or clearance has been requested and obtained.

• Health disclosure: Clients must provide accurate information regarding known diagnoses, injuries, surgeries, medications and relevant medical history before treatment.

• Contraindications: Treatment may be modified, postponed or declined where a condition or circumstance makes the planned treatment inappropriate or potentially unsafe.

• Changes in health: Please advise us of any changes in your dog's health, behaviour, medication or physical condition before each appointment, even where the change appears unrelated to the reason for treatment.

• Liability: Gentle Dog Canine Massage is not liable for any injury, illness, or worsening of a condition resulting from massage therapy, including issues related to undisclosed medical conditions.

• Behaviour: Please disclose any bite history, handling sensitivity, aggression, fear or areas of the body your dog is uncomfortable having touched.

• Emergencies: If your dog becomes acutely unwell during an appointment, treatment will cease and veterinary assessment may be recommended or sought depending on the circumstances.

• Referrals and working with other professionals: Where your dog's needs fall outside our qualifications or professional scope, we will explain this and recommend referral to an appropriately qualified professional where possible.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

• Confidentiality: Appropriate client and treatment records may be maintained as part of providing professional services and will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.

11. Intellectual Property
All content on our website and social media platforms, including text, images, and branding, is the property of Gentle Dog Canine Massage and is protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorised use is prohibited.

12. Insurance
Gentle Dog Canine Massage is covered by professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance.

13. Modifications
We reserve the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of our Services constitutes acceptance of any changes.

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14. Photography:

You agree to allow Gentle Dog Canine Massage to use photos of your dog taken during sessions for promotional purposes, including on social media and advertising. If you do not consent, please inform us in writing prior to the session.

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15. Release of Liability:

You release Gentle Dog Canine Massage, its owners, staff, and contractors from any liability for injuries, illnesses, or damages arising from services provided.